VICTORIA - Fines are going up for anyone who uses off-road vehicles and snowmobiles in environmentally sensitive areas of British Columbia.
Anyone operating the vehicles in those areas will face a $575 fine, effective immediately.
Previously, the fines were either $230 or $345, depending on the violation.
As well, the provincial government says court convictions for snowmobiling in southern mountain caribou habitats may result in a fine up to $200,000 and six months in jail.
The government says it is spending $27 million over three years on a program to help the recovery of caribou, which are considered a species at risk.
The program is intended to reduce the effect of winter backcountry recreation, including snowmobiling on caribou habitats.
